Why is That Highway Traffic So Awful? An Inside Look

The Journal today spotlighted companies that are analyzing billions of bits of information about America’s roadways to help ease gridlock, pinpoint potholes and help governments make smart choices about future transportation products.

One byproduct of all this data is interesting factoids dredged up about the state of America’s roads. (And insights into sporting events. More on that in a second.)

According to Inrix, a Kirkland, Wash., start-up that pulls speed, location and other data points from more than 100 million cars with smartphone apps, GPS devices, taxis, truck fleets and delivery vans, here are a few things you (probably) didn’t know.